A winter storm may have delayed the celebration, but it certainly didn’t diminish the spirit. After a major December snow event forced the postponement of Delavan FCCLA’s annual Pink Out Night, the community packed Jake Poppenga Gymnasium on January 26, 2026, turning the rescheduled varsity basketball matchup against the El Paso/Gridley Titans into a powerful show of solidarity for metastatic breast cancer awareness.

A Sea of Pink for a Purpose

Well before tipoff, the gym was awash in pink—shirts, hoodies, ribbons, and even the uniforms of the Delavan Varsity Panthers, who took the floor in special pink-themed warmups. FCCLA members had pre-sold Pink Out t shirts in the weeks leading up to the event, and the crowd embraced the theme wholeheartedly.

The organization also hosted a bustling raffle table, offering baskets filled with treats, gift cards, and donated items from local supporters. Every ticket sold helped raise funds for metastatic breast cancer research and support services, a cause the chapter has championed for years.

A Halftime Tribute That Moved the Crowd

The most poignant moment of the night came at halftime. As the crowd rose to its feet, players from both the Panthers and the Titans walked into the stands carrying pink roses. One by one, they presented them to breast cancer survivors seated throughout the gym.

The gesture drew emotional applause—an unmistakable reminder that the evening’s purpose extended far beyond the scoreboard.

Community Strength on Full Display

Despite the rescheduled date and winter’s disruptions, the turnout rivaled any major home game. Families, alumni, and supporters from both communities filled the bleachers, creating an atmosphere that blended school pride with heartfelt advocacy.

FCCLA members circulated through the crowd, sharing information about metastatic breast cancer and thanking attendees for their support. By the end of the night, the chapter had raised meaningful funds and—just as importantly—renewed awareness of a disease that affects families across central Illinois and beyond.

More Than a Game

While the Panthers and Titans battled on the court, the true victory belonged to the survivors honored, the students who organized the event, and the community that showed up in force. Delavan’s Pink Out Night once again proved that when the town rallies behind a cause, it does so with unmistakable heart.